Pages

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Finished Rose Applique Dress

It's done! The Joan Holloway-inspired dress I blogged about last week is now complete, thanks to an old tablecloth and a little crafty thinking. (A big thanks to those who gave me applique tips in the comments; I took note for next time!) It seems pretty appropriate to post on Valentine's Day, doesn't it?

The pattern is this one that I draped last year, and am still perfecting the fit on. (I wear my green polka dot version all the time, and get so many nice compliments on it.) And yes, it's more of the pinky-red merino I made that little suit out of. And I still have some left! I must have bought out the entire stock of that stuff. What can I say? It's my color.

It has a centered, lapped zipper, just like Joan's would have. (I also have a classy Joan-esque chignon, thanks to the multi-talented Fleur!)

It's lined in bright red silk Habutai, and the midriff section is interfaced to keep it smooth.

An applique close-up:

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I've gotten a little applique-happy. There's a vintage lobster tablecloth coming my way in the mail. (Lobsters!) And then all the products I have to look into: stabilizers, interfacings, threads . . . Watch out, world!

Just read through your simi-tutorial on drafting and sewing your green dress, lots of great information. I've taken a seam out a time or too, when I have gotten ahead of myself in construction. Great pattern and a very lovely mad men dress.

I think it's the curse of the home sewer that we make so few items that we often cannot truly perfect our new skills with lots of immediate practice and playing around, unless we want everything around us to look kind of alike.

I know some people learn to knit or crochet and then they make everything using that technique, and that's great for them if it makes them happy, but I want more variation.

This looks amazing on you! Joan is such an inspiring woman, and I want to make every single one of her outfits for myself! ;)

I was just thinking after your post last week - I want to tell you how lucky you are to have your curves. I know the grass is always greener, but I married into a Latino family full of curvy, va-va-voom women who all emulate Sofia Vergara and look sexy in just a pair of cutoff jeans and tshirt. I, on the other hand, am a stick straight, no curves anywhere kind of gal who looks like a dowdy 12-year old in that same cutoffs and tshirt.

So I wanted to tell you how much I admire your curves, and how beautiful of a figure you and Joan both have! :)

Your dress is absolutely gorgeous. To date I've always looked for vintage tablecloths in good condition for my table, but I think I'm now going to have to extend my search to cutters so that I can make appliques out of them! They work so well.

Gorgeous!!! I'm just loving this shade of red on you--a girl can never have to much red. ;) The appliques really make it stand out. Can't wait to see what that lobster table cloth you mentioned ends up as! ;)

Hi Gertie ~ I absolutely love your applique dress. Please tell me the dress pattern will be in your new book. I would also love to know where you purchase your fabulous fabric. I am a black hair girl and love red/pink!